9 killed as military helicopter shot down in UkraineJune 24, 2014 - 21:50 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Armed men shot down a Ukrainian helicopter carrying technicians who had been installing equipment to monitor violations of a peace plan in Ukraine's rebellious east on Tuesday, June 24, killing all nine people on board, a military spokesman said, according to Reuters. The technicians had been returning from setting up specialised equipment when their Mi-8 cargo helicopter was struck by a missile near Slaviansk in eastern Ukraine, government forces spokesman Vladyslav Seleznyov said. "There were 9 people on board. According to preliminary information ... all those on board were killed," Seleznyov said on his Facebook page. The nine dead included a three-man crew. "The (rebel) fighters, having fired the rocket, hid in the nearby village of Bylbasovka," he said. The incident took place just hours after pro-Russian armed men on Monday night announced a ceasefire until June 27 to match a week-long truce by government forces which has been ordered by President Petro Poroshenko. It was the second time a helicopter has been brought down by rebel fire from Slaviansk. On May 30, a military helicopter was downedkilling 14 servicemen, including one general. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Viva-MTS: Tech solutions to modernize infrastructure of border village The border village has been the focus of Viva-MTS and the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Values since 2015. Ucom's fixed network launched in Artashat To mark this occasion, the company has introduced a special offer exclusively for Artashat residents. “By Your Side”: IDBank's new support program for displaced Artsakh citizens IDBank is launching a long-term social support program for forcibly displaced Artsakh residents. The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. |